Australia Launches Antisemitism Task Force After Synagogue Arson Attack
Australia Launches Antisemitism Task Force After Synagogue Arson Attack
Australia has established a new antisemitism task force in response to an arson attack on Melbourne's Adass Israel synagogue, which police now suspect was an act of terrorism. The fire, which occurred early Friday, injured one person and caused extensive damage to the synagogue. Authorities have transferred the investigation to a joint counter-terrorism unit to identify and apprehend the three suspects involved.
The attack has heightened tensions between Australia and Israel, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributing the incident to an "anti-Israel spirit" fostered by Australian government policies, including its recent support of a United Nations resolution backing a Palestinian state.
The new task force, dubbed "Special Operation Abalight," was announced by Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw. “This agile and experienced squad of counter-terrorism investigators will focus on threats, violence, and hatred targeting the Australian Jewish community and parliamentarians,” Kershaw said. The unit will be deployable nationwide to respond to incidents.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the rise in antisemitism and pledged action, stating, “Antisemitism is a major threat, and it has been on the rise.” He confirmed that additional police patrols have been deployed to Jewish neighborhoods in Melbourne to provide reassurance and enhance security.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton emphasized that the reclassification of the attack as terrorism grants investigators enhanced resources and legal powers, such as preventative detention, to address the threat. “We are utilizing the best-skilled investigators and experts in this field, and we will do everything possible to resolve this case,” he said.
The synagogue attack is the third antisemitic incident in Australia this year, following the vandalism of a Jewish MP’s office in June and antisemitic graffiti found in Sydney’s Jewish-majority suburbs last month.
The Australian government has also faced criticism from Jewish organizations for not responding robustly enough to the rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents, which have surged since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October last year.
While dozens of pro-Palestinian protests have remained peaceful, officials have expressed concerns about potential threats to social cohesion. The attack on the synagogue has intensified calls for stronger measures to combat hate crimes and ensure the safety of Jewish communities across Australia.
